Clemson defensive lineman returning for another season

Clemson has several defensive linemen who have to decide whether to turn pro or return to Clemson for another season.

At least one will be a Tiger for another year.

Clemson defensive end Justin Mascoll told reporters following Friday’s Orange Bowl that he will be returning for one more season.

Mascoll signed with Clemson as a four-star recruit in the class of 2018.

He redshirted his first year but has been a key contributor each of the past four seasons. He now will return to Clemson for a sixth year.

Some news from the Clemson locker room: veteran defensive end Justin Mascoll tells us he’s officially returning for a sixth year in 2023. Sees it as a good opportunity to get more playing time and mentor young guys, he says. Decided and told the staff about 2 weeks ago

— Chapel Fowler (@chapelfowler) December 31, 2022

Mascoll made one tackle in Friday’s 31-14 loss to Tennessee.

For the season, he finished with 19 tackles and 3.5 tackles for loss while appearing in all 14 games.

The Georgia native has been a part-time starter for the past three years for Clemson, starting nine games in 2020, two in 2021 and two this season.

He could be a full-time starter for the Tigers in 2023, depending on who else returns to school.

Other Clemson defensive linemen with a decision to make include defensive end KJ Henry, defensive tackle Bryan Bresee, defensive tackle Tyler Davis and defensive tackle Ruke Orhorhoro.

While Clemson had a strong season overall, finishing with 11 wins, it came to a disappointing ending against the Vols.

The Tigers outgained Tennessee 484 to 375 but managed only 14 points in the 31-14 loss.

Now the Tigers enter a critical offseason as they work to get back to being elite. Getting some guys back on defense, in addition to Mascoll, would certainly help.

“Incredibly disappointing. Just name of the game; a lot of missed opportunities, simple as that,” Clemson coach Dabo Swinney said.

“Didn’t end the way we wanted to tonight, but an excellent year, 11-3 and ACC champs, especially coming off a very challenging year last year and a lot of transition and a lot of change. We’re not anywhere near where we need to be or are going to be, but we got better. That’s something that we can take away from it.”